Plea to only come if necessary as Altnagelvin’s A&E ‘extremely busy’ with high number of attendances

At one stage earlier this week the Trust took to social media to advise that over 90 people were waiting at the Derry Hospital’s A&E department, as it pleaded for people only to arrive if they required urgent medical or mental health attention.

Mr Brendan Lavery, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Hospital (pictured above) told the ‘Journal’ in a statement yesterday: “Our Emergency Department at Altnagelvin Hospital is extremely busy. There has been a high number of attendances over the past number of days.

“People are seen, assessed and prioritised on the basis of individual need and staff are working very hard to ensure all patients are treated in a timely manner.

“Some people who attend the Emergency Department may be required to wait longer than we would like and we sincerely apologise for this.”

Mr Lavery urged people needing medical attention to assess which option was best suited to their needs.

He said: “We continuously encourage the public to utilise all available community services, including your GP and to only attend the Emergency Department when absolutely necessary.”

He also advised those presenting to be mindful of current guidelines aimed at limiting the threat of COVID-19 while attending the Emergency Department. “Patients are reminded to attend alone. One person only to accompany a patient where the patient is unable to understand or communicate with staff. You must also wear a face covering,” he said.